Gracie Byrd

Byrd ~ Sister Gracie M. Byrd was born October 2, 1932, to the late Clarence Allen, Sr. and Catherine Smith Brown. She attended Duval County Public Schools, graduating from Old Stanton Senior High School, class of 1950.

Sister Byrd worked in many administrative and clerical positions before retiring from Jacksonville Electric Authority (City of Jacksonville) after over twenty-five plus years of service. She exemplified her dedication by her unwavering and steadfast work ethics. Sister Byrd was a dedicated member of Greater New Birth Missionary Baptist Church for many years, serving as a deaconess.

She was married to the late Brother Charles Byrd for sixty-four years before his passing and to this union six beautiful children were born. Sister Byrd is affectionately known as the matriarch of her family and some of her close friends. She was wise, strong, nurturing and well respected by all who knew or met her. Sister Byrd was always willing to encourage, help and offer words of wisdom. She was an excellent cook, her grandchildren still reminisce of how “Granny” spoiled them with her homemade “pancakes and biscuits”, but all were welcome to her kitchen!

Her kind and devoted spirit will forever be remembered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Charles A. Byrd “Tony”; eldest daughter, LaVon A. Jones; grandsons, Devin Gauldin, Keith Byrd, Jr; father, Clarence Allen. Sr; mother, Catherine Brown; brother, Clarence Allen, Jr (Mattie); sisters, Helen (Joe), Gloria (Robert L.); sons-in-law, Keith Jones, Alvin Frazier. Sister Byrd is survived by a legacy of love to include children, Michael (Celesa), Catherine, Keith (Freda), Tonya; loving grandchildren, Hassan, Tiffany (Michael), Kenya, Corey, Trae, Hakeem, Dimitri Jr, Kenneth, Dominique, DeVaughn, Michael, Ashley, Rayshonda; loving great grandchildren, Kendyll, Arianna, Gregory, Micah, Tyler, MiYana, Joy Reign, Hakeem Jr, Jaheim, Jaliyah, Maliq, Malachi, Trae Jr, Malia, Milan, Ariana, Kenneth Jr, Kenniya, Alvin, Devin Jr, Devyon, DeJuan, Kamari, Lyric, Skylar, Ariyah; loving great-great grandsons-(twins), Chase and Chance; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and many dear friends to include Mrs. Geneva Jackson and Evangeline Watson, church family and Pastor.

Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Gracie M. Byrd will be 11:00AM Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Greater New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 195 Tallulah Avenue. Visitation Tuesday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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